Ladies and gentlemen, the recent announcement of the farm-gate price of cocoa for the 2023/2024 season by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government is yet another disappointment for Ghanaian cocoa farmers. It is evident that this government has failed the cocoa farmers in Ghana, and instead, it has added even more difficulties to their already challenging situation.
Firstly, let us consider the international market price of cocoa, which has surged to a record-high of about $3,600 per metric ton as of 31st August 2023, the highest in the last 46 years. One would have expected that with such a significant increase, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government would give our hard-working farmers their fair share. However, they have once again decided to shortchange the impoverished cocoa farmer.
The announced farm-gate price of GH₵1,308 per bag of cocoa constitutes a paltry 52.7% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) Price of cocoa on the international market, compared to the 66% given by the NDC/Mahama government in the 2016/2017 cocoa season. This is an unfair treatment of the cocoa farmers who deserve a more significant portion of the international FOB price.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Ghana, known for its best quality cocoa, received the highest premium of $497 per metric ton in June 2023. When considering this premium, the FOB price per bag should increase to GH₵2,824.35. However, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government retains a significant amount, GH₵1,516, leaving only GH₵1,308 for the struggling cocoa farmer. This showcases the insensitivity and wickedness of this government towards the cocoa farmers.
Moreover, the Akufo-Addo administration has the worst record in terms of increases in cocoa prices in Ghana. They are the first government in the history of the Fourth Republic to refuse to increase the farm-gate price for three consecutive seasons. Despite high inflation, the government failed to provide the cocoa farmer with the fair share they deserve.
Additionally, the cocoa farmer is facing challenges due to the alarmingly high rate of inflation, which currently stands at 43.1% as of July 2023. This erodes the purchasing power of cocoa farmers, making it even more difficult for them to sustain themselves and their families. The prices of inputs such as fertilizers and farm chemicals have skyrocketed, adding to the financial burden of cocoa farmers. The unavailability and high cost of labor further exacerbate their difficulties.
To make matters worse, despite the cocoa sector incurring huge losses, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has canceled the payment of bonuses to cocoa farmers since taking office in 2017. Instead, bonuses are being paid to staff of Cocobod, while the farmers suffer. This is a blatant disregard for the well-being and livelihoods of the hardworking cocoa farmers.
Not only has this government failed to protect the interests of cocoa farmers, but it has also mismanaged the cocoa sector, resulting in massive losses and indebtedness for COCOBOD. The losses incurred by COCOBOD under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration are unacceptable and show a lack of competence and accountability.
Furthermore, there has been a significant drop in cocoa production volumes under this government, reaching just about 650,000 metric tons, the lowest in the last fifteen years. This decline can be attributed to the increased spate of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and the gross mismanagement of the cocoa sector. These issues need urgent attention to save the cocoa industry and the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
In conclusion, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has failed cocoa farmers in Ghana. They have not only provided a meager farm-gate price but have also added more challenges through high inflation, high prices of inputs, high labor charges, and unavailability of labor. The hardships faced by cocoa farmers are undeniable, and it is time for this government to prioritize their welfare and ensure they receive their fair share. Hardworking cocoa farmers certainly deserve better!
Eric Obuaba (Mr Green)
Member, NDC Eastern Regional communication Team
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
